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Forbes
5 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Top Scotch Whisky Winners From The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
The 2025 SFWSC Finalists in the Single Malt Scotch Whisky 20 Years & Older category Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a cornerstone in the world of Scotch Whisky, is one of the most extensive and prestigious judging events. Whisky enthusiasts and the beverage industry closely follow its results, as they often set the standard for excellence in the industry. The Top Shelf 2025 Awards Gala, a highly anticipated event in the whiskey industry, will announce the winners on November 9 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Here are the finalists! From a diverse pool of several hundred entries, the distinguished panel of judges, comprising some 60 in total, has selected a range of finalists. These include five blended, four blended malts, and 20 single malt Scotch whiskies, each with its unique character and flavor profile. From these finalists will emerge the coveted title of World's Best Blended Scotch Whisky, Best Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, and Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky, and ultimately the highest prize of all: World's Best Scotch Whisky. The variety and quality of these finalists are sure to pique your interest. The 2025 SFWSC Blended Scotch Whisky Finalists in the No Age Statement category. Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Blended Scotch is a mix of grain whisky and single malt whisky. The Scotch Whisky Association, the industry's regulatory body, does not specify the proportions in the blend. Generally speaking, the higher the proportion of single malt in the blend, the more flavorful the whisky tends to be. The single malt portion of a blended whisky can range from as little as 10% to as much as 50% of the final blend. Under SWA rules, a no-age-statement whisky does not disclose the age of the youngest component of the blend. However, under SWA regulations, a whisky must be aged for a minimum of three years before it can carry the designation Scotch Whisky. Hence, a NAS whisky is guaranteed to be at least 3 years old. Most NAS whiskies are considerably older than the minimum three-year aging requirement. For a brief background and detailed tasting notes of the Blended Scotch Whisky finalists from the 2025 SFWSC, see SF World Spirits Competition Reveals Top Blended Scotch Whisky. The Finalists in the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky category at the 2025 SFWSC Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Blended malt is a mix of single malt Scotch whiskies. Unlike a single malt, which is a malt whisky from a single distillery, blended malts are a mix of malt whiskies from more than one distillery. The practice harkens back to the early days of the Scotch whisky industry when independent blenders created their whiskies by mixing single malt whisky from several distilleries. For background and detailed tasting notes on each of the Blended Malt Scotch Whisky finalists, see SF World Spirits Competition Reveals Top Blended Scotch Whisky. SFWSC 2025 Single Malt Scotch 13 to 19 Years Finalists Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Single malt Scotch whisky is a single malt from a single distillery. Each expression is typically a blend of different single malts from that distillery. The age statement listed on the bottle is the youngest component of that particular blend of single malts. Hence, 18-year-old Scotch whisky is not the 12-year-old expression aged for an additional six years, but rather a blend of single malt whiskies from that distillery, the youngest component of which is at least 18 years old. For a background and detailed tasting noteson these single malt Scotch whiskies, see SF World Spirits Competition Names Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky For a background and detailed tasting notes on these ultra-aged, single malt Scotch whiskies, see Best Ultra-Aged Scotch Whisky, According To The SF World Spirits Competition. These Scotch whiskies are among the very best, the crème de la crème of Scottish whisky. They are all outstanding, each reflective of the region and terroir that produced them. Some are historical names, while others are new distilleries, specialty bottlers, or once-silent distilleries that have been reborn. All are worth tasting, and if you like them, add a bottle or two to your Scotch whisky collection.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Loca Loka Tequila's Golden Hour
At first blush, the idea of a tequila from the highlands of Mexico melded with the culture and creativity of India would seem an unlikely combination. But the vision of Loca Loka Tequila's founders—Indian film star Rana Daggubati, musician and composer Anirudh Ravichander, and entrepreneur Harsha Vadlamudi—and the craftsmanship of the artisans who shepherded the tequila from agave to bottle, have been rewarded with a gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world. Jalisco, By Way of New Delhi More from Robb Report Introducing Robinhood Legend, a New Frontier for Active Traders A Century in Bloom: Rioja at 100 181 Fremont's Grand Penthouse Redefines Urban Luxury The medal comes a year after the launch of Loca Loka, whose name is the Spanish word for 'crazy' and the Sanskrit word for 'world.' Jalisco, a state in Mexico where tequila is made, is more than 9,000 miles from New Delhi, India's capital. But there is common ground between the two cultures. Daggubati explains, 'Loca Loka was born from a shared passion for storytelling and cultural fusion. As co-founders, [we] brought together diverse experiences—from hospitality to music—to build a tequila brand that celebrates joy, flavor, and global connection.' With tequila having become a global phenomenon over the last couple of decades, the time has come for those who love it worldwide to use the category as a reflection of their own cultures. Loca Loka co-founder Ravichander is one of India's most renowned musicians, famed for his singing, writing, instrumental prowess and production both in films and on record. 'Music and spirits are a natural match,' Ravichander says, 'and I'd already seen tequila gaining traction in my circles. This felt like the perfect first step into entrepreneurship—an opportunity to merge my passion for music with a vibrant lifestyle brand. We're bringing the brand to life through live events and concerts, and I'm even composing original music inspired by Loca Loka.' Additive-Free, Made the Traditional Way Although Loca Loka was imagined in India, it's made according to Mexican tradition, without additives and with only the finest 100-percent blue Weber agave from the highlands of Jalisco. The agaves used to make the tequila have aged for at least six years, giving them a higher sugar content, which results in a better finished product. Loca Loka is available in two expressions: a blanco and a reposado. The blanco is unaged, showcasing the quality of the agave and the skill of the tequileros; the sweet flavor of cooked agave combines with a subtle earthiness and a smooth, prolonged finish. The reposado is aged for less than a year in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The French oak imparts a rounded sweetness while the American oak contributes vanilla and peppery spice, both of which harmonize with the sweet, lightly vegetal and mineral notes of the cooked agave, without overwhelming it. Both the blanco and the reposado are ideal for sipping as well as mixing. and the tequila's quality is evident even when tasted blind—as was the case in San Francisco, when the judges at the SFWSC awarded it the gold. Bringing Loca Loka to the World Loca Loka initially rolled out in the U.S. in 2024. In 2025, the brand looks to establish an international footprint, expanding to India as well as the U.K., Dubai, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Travel retail will also be a focus. 'With travel retail as a priority channel,' co-founder Vadlamudi explains, 'our journey will begin at [India's] Hyderabad International Airport, chosen for its growing consumer base and global connectivity. Through curated displays, tastings, and immersive brand storytelling, we aim to introduce Loca Loka as a premium discovery brand—celebrating cultural intersections and inviting international travelers to toast to a new era of celebration.' To have such a global reach is almost unheard of for such a young brand, but Loca Loka's trio of founders has positioned it as a tequila with worldwide appeal, from the stylish look of the bottles to the presence of Daggubati and Anirudh as its spokesmen. In the end, though, it's the quality of the spirit in the bottle that determines a brand's success—and as its triumph in San Francisco attests, Loca Loka's future is looking bright. To learn more about Loca Loka and the people behind it, visit the brand online at Learn More Click here to read the full article.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Best American Single Malt Whiskey From The 2025 SF World Spirits Competition
The Finalists for Best American Single Malt Whiskey From The 2025 SFWSC American Single Malt whiskey is rapidly gaining a reputation as world-class spirits. These five whiskeys, all finalists for World's Best American Single Malt Whiskey at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, represent some of the finest American single malts currently produced. One of these five will be named the best American single malt whiskey. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for each of the finalists. Triple Eight Distillery, part of the Cisco Brewers family on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, is renowned for its artisanal spirits. The distillery has consistently garnered gold medals at international spirit competitions. Their "Notch" series reflects a commitment to traditional Scottish methods, using 100% Maris Otter malted barley, an heirloom variety, and double distillation in a single Arnold Holstein pot still. The 15-year expression is aged solely on Nantucket, where the coastal climate imparts a unique maritime character to the whisky, utilizing a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. This expression is among the oldest American single malts currently available. The whisky presents rich sherry cask aromas on the nose, featuring stewed and dried fruits, chocolate, and toasted nuts. It is robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla, honey, coconut, caramel, and wood spices. The finish is long and sweet with lingering notes of dried fruits and a hint of toasted almond. Balcones Distilling, located in Waco, Texas, is a pioneer in the American craft whiskey movement. The Mirador expression stands out for being aged exclusively in ex-bourbon barrels, diverging from the distillery's typical reliance on new oak. This approach allows the nuanced flavors of the malted barley to shine, resulting in a profile that bridges the gap between traditional Scotch and the bold flavors of Texas whiskey. The whiskey is floral and fruity on the nose, featuring floral potpourri, stone and tropical fruits, herbaceous notes of fresh hay, and a slight candied sweetness. It is rich and creamy on the palate, showcasing lemon cream, chocolate, stewed red berries, subtle herbaceous notes, and shortbread. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering floral, fruity, and herbal notes. For an in-depth look at Balcones, Mirador, see Jared Himstedt On The State of American Single Malt Whiskey. The World Whiskey Society, based in Georgia, pays homage to iconic figures from American frontier history through its limited-edition releases. The Wyatt Earp Small Batch is a tribute to the legendary lawman of the American West. Distilled in Oklahoma, the whisky is presented in a distinctive bottle adorned with a U.S. Marshal badge and silver bullet topper, reflecting Earp's storied legacy. The whisky is rich and aromatic on the nose, featuring dark chocolate, candied citrus zest, vanilla, caramel, and a malty/cooked cereal sweetness reminiscent of raisin bread. The palate is flavorful and creamy, with an oily, viscous mouthfeel, showcasing notes of dark chocolate, fig, raisin, white pepper, and a hint of mint. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of dried fruit. Whiskey and Ice Stranahan's Distillery, established in Denver, Colorado, in 2004, is a trailblazer in American single malt whiskey. The Mountain Angel 12 Year is their oldest release to date. It's aged in new American oak barrels at high altitude with pronounced diurnal and seasonal temperature variations, resulting in a significant "angel's share" evaporation and a heavily extracted, flavorful whisky that exhibits substantial wood influence. This extended maturation, coupled with a finish in Port wine casks, imparts a depth and complexity reminiscent of well-aged Scotch. The nose is fruity and aromatic, showcasing stewed and roasted stone fruits, particularly nectarine and dried apricot, fig jam, and lavender potpourri. The whiskey is rich and creamy on the palate, highlighting fruity notes of blueberry jam, raspberry syrup, lemon cream, candied ginger, dried dark berries, fig jam, caramel, wood spices, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, sweet, and silky with lingering notes of dried fruit, wood spices, and a hint of smoke. The annual Stranahan's Snowflake release is a highly anticipated event, with enthusiasts camping overnight at the Denver distillery for a chance to purchase this limited-edition whiskey. Each Snowflake expression is unique, crafted by marrying various cask-finished single malts, including barrels that previously held wines, sherry, port, tequila, rum, and other spirits. This innovative blending produces a complex, layered whiskey, featuring a nuanced and ever-evolving flavor profile. The whiskey is fruity and aromatic on the nose, featuring orange zest, peach, nectarine, dried apricot, and a hint of cherry syrup. It is smooth and creamy on the palate, showcasing fruity notes of prune, peach, apricot, cinnamon, and a hint of clove. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering notes of dried fruit, cinnamon, and seasoned oak. These American single malt whiskeys are all exceptional. If you enjoy Scotch whisky, you will likely appreciate these finalists. They remain true to their Scottish and Irish roots while showcasing their whiskeys through an American lens. Unlike Ireland or Scotland, the U.S. offers a wide range of maturation environments, allowing American single malt whiskey to display a far broader array of expressions and a spectrum of aroma and taste profiles found nowhere else in the world. The golden age of American single malt whiskey is just beginning, and these five finalists are a great place to start your exploration.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best White Rums, According To The SF World Spirits Competition
The Unaged Rum Finalists From The 2025 SFWSC Photo, courtesy Tasting Alliance/San Francisco World Spirits Competition Five rums are finalists for the World's Best Unaged Rum at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is one of the world's most prestigious spirit judging events, and both consumers and the beverage industry closely follow its results. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for the finalists. Burdekin Rum is a small-batch, Australian craft, Jamaica-style rum distilled in Queensland. The Coral Sea Strength edition is a high-proof unaged rum. It's made from molasses, distilled on a pot still, and designed to highlight the raw, estery potential of Queensland sugarcane. The rum is fruity and briny on the nose, featuring green banana, overripe pineapple, molasses funk, and a hint of coastal salinity. It's robust and full-bodied on the palate, with a rich oily mouthfeel. It exhibits layers of tropical fruit, white pepper, herbaceous and grassy notes, and burnt sugar. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering notes of fermented or oxidized fruit, a hint of minerality, and a funky, estery tang. Oak House Distillery, based in Gainesville, Georgia, produces Silver Rum from 100% molasses. Distilled in small batches, it's crafted to be a mixable, slightly fruity white rum with a subtle flavor profile and minimal burn, ideal for rum-based cocktails. The rum is ester-forward and aromatic on the nose, featuring vanilla sugar, coconut cream, honey, tropical fruits, especially banana, and digestive biscuits. It's smooth and balanced on the palate, expressing molasses and candied/marshmallow sweetness, almond and tropical fruit. The finish is long and slightly sweet, with lingering notes of earth and fruit. Dark and Stormy Rum Cocktail with Lime and Ginger Beer getty Based in Washington, D.C., Cotton & Reed produces this pot-stilled white rum using a wild yeast fermentation of grade-A molasses. According to the company, 'the rum is designed to capture fermentation complexity' and showcases the distillery's signature estery, bold character. The rum is herbaceous and estery, featuring Rhum Agricole-style notes of fresh and oxidized apple, ripe plantain, lemongrass, and funky, overripe melon. It's aromatic and slightly estery, with a funky note on the palate, exhibiting brown sugar, citrus, pineapple, and a hint of earthy funk. The finish is medium-length, with lingering fruit notes and a touch of wet stone minerality. Ten To One is a Caribbean rum brand founded by Marc Farrell. The brand has been a perennial medalist in international spirit competitions. This expression is a blend of Dominican Republic and Jamaican rums. It's non-chill filtered, unaged, with no added sugar or additives, and showcases a combination of Jamaican funk and Dominican smoothness in a versatile, premium white rum. The rum is aromatic and fruity on the nose, featuring tropical fruit with hints of pineapple, lychee, lemon peel, and fresh-cut grass, layered over persistent but subtle molasses aromas. On the palate, it's lightly funky, with a layered complexity exhibiting guava, white pepper, coconut, and citrus zest flavors. The finish is dry and crisp, with a slightly peppery backdrop and lingering fruit notes. Planteray (formerly Plantation) 3 Stars is a blend of unaged and lightly aged rums from Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad. It's charcoal filtered to maintain a clear appearance. Each island contributes a unique component: fruitiness from Barbados, funk from Jamaica, and crisp lightness from Trinidad. The rum is very aromatic on the nose, featuring banana peel, vanilla, citrus oil, and a hint of herbaceous grassiness. It has a light to medium body on the palate, showcasing notes of brown sugar, apple, tropical fruit, white chocolate, and a hint of funky esters from the Jamaican component. The finish is long and crisp, with lingering fruity and spicy notes. White rums are typically used as a cocktail base, but these rums offer a degree of layered and nuanced complexity that would make them equally adaptable for cocktails or enjoyed straight up. Stylistically, they run the gamut from traditional, column-distilled molasses-based rum to more Rhum Agricole-style rums, featuring a range of flavors from fruity to Jamaican-style funk. If you're a rum enthusiast, there's bound to be a rum here that you'll enjoy.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The World's Best Aged Rums, According To The SF World Spirits Competition
The Aged Rum Finalists From The 2025 SFWSC Five rums are finalists for the World's Best Aged Rum at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The SFWSC is one of the world's most prestigious spirit judging events, and both consumers and the beverage industry closely follow its results. Below are brief backgrounds and tasting notes for the finalists. Jamaica's Worthy Park Estate has been distilling rum since 1741 and is renowned for its molasses-based, 100% pot still rums. The Select Rum is a lightly aged expression, typically matured for 4–6 years in ex-bourbon barrels at the estate. It's a classic Jamaican pot still rum. The rum is bold and expressive on the nose, featuring ripe banana, molasses, baking spice, and a hint of funky overripe mango. It's rich and robust on the palate, showcasing layers of tropical fruit, vanilla, caramel, and charred oak, balanced by peppery spice and earthy undertones. The finish is long, fruity, and slightly dry, with lingering notes of banana bread, clove, and subtle smoke. Worthy Park's 109 Rum is a high-proof expression created as a modern take on overproof rum. It is a blend of pot-still rums aged 4 to 10 years. Its deep mahogany hue suggests significant oak influence. It's designed for bartenders and rum enthusiasts who crave intensity and depth in a rum. The rum is intensely aromatic on the nose, featuring pronounced notes of molasses, cola syrup, baking spice, dried pineapple, and classic, funky Jamaican ester aromas. It's full-bodied and robust on the palate, showcasing dark/burnt caramel, charred wood, grilled banana, and spicy notes of cinnamon and clove. The high proof adds structure and brings out the flavor components, without adding harshness. The finish is long, with lingering notes of nutmeg, black tea, and funky stone fruit. Worthy Park 109 is a high-impact rum that strikes a balance between power and polish, making it ideal for sipping with a splash of water. Fine Cuban cigars and glass of rum on wooden table Despite its clear appearance, Planas is an aged rum from Venezuela's Diplomático Distillery. It's matured for up to 6 years in ex-bourbon, ex-malt whisky, and ex-sherry casks, then charcoal-filtered for clarity. It blends column, batch kettle, and pot still rums, showcasing finesse and complexity. The rum is elegant and aromatic on the nose, featuring notes of coconut cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and subtle almond and caramel undertones. It's creamy and smooth on the palate, exhibiting notes of white chocolate, toasted coconut, citrus peel, and a slight undertone of caramelized sugar. The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and subtle floral aromas. Kaniché Fiji is a Fijian molasses-based rum aged first in Fiji, typically in ex-bourbon barrels, then finished in cognac casks in France by Maison Ferrand. This double cask maturation imparts both fruity tropical richness and a French oak polish. The rum is fruity and aromatic on the nose, featuring ripe banana, honeycomb, baking spices, and toasted coconut aromas. The palate is smooth and full-bodied, with nuanced complexity showcasing notes of vanilla, caramelized pineapple, dark cocoa, wood spices, seasoned oak, and a subtle leather note. The finish is long, with lingering notes of fig, baking spices, and seasoned oak wood. Xaymaca, pronounced zay-muh-kah, the indigenous name for Jamaica, is Planteray's homage to 100% Jamaican pot still rum. It's a blend of distillates from Long Pond and Clarendon, which are either unaged or minimally aged. It is designed to showcase the funky, ester-rich character of classic Jamaican rum. The rum is aromatic and funky, featuring notes of green banana, grilled pineapple, fermented mango, and a touch of olive brine. It's dry and robust on the palate, showcasing notes of unripe banana, citrus pith, clove, burnt sugar, and leather, with a subtle earthy and slightly savory undertone. The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of pepper, tropical fruit, allspice, and an ester-rich, funky character. These rums have all been aged five years or less; nonetheless, they showcase powerful, robust flavors and a pronounced cask wood influence. They will add character and depth to rum cocktails and can also be enjoyed straight up. From the classic aromas and flavors of funky Jamaican rums to the lighter, fruitier style of Venezuelan and Fijian rums, there's a rum here for every palate.
